Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio turned down a summer move to Liverpool.
During the last transfer window, goalkeeper was a position Liverpool was keen on strengthening, despite having arguably the best tandem between the sticks in the world in Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher. However, in what proved to be a quiet summer at Anfield, the Reds signed a goalkeeper who will join them next summer on a permanent deal in the form of Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili.
But it has been claimed the shotstopper Liverpool could have signed was Di Gregorio, who recently starred for the Old Lady in their 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League. The 27-year-old made a number of saves against Pep Guardiola's side, preventing Erling Haaland from scoring in the first half.
According to the 27-year-old's agent, Carlo Alberto Belloni, Di Gregorio turned down Liverpool for the chance to sign for Juventus. Speaking to Tuttosport, Belloni said: "Manchester City fans will certainly remember his saves for a long time. In the summer, however, we said no to Liverpool to embrace the Juventus project."
Prior to moving to Turin, Di Gregorio played for Monza. While he came through Inter Milan's academy, Di Gregorio made his professional debut for Renate in Serie C and has since climbed up the divisions over the years to become a Serie A star.
He left Monza to join Juventus this past summer on-loan, with the Old Lady having an obligation to buy the Italian next summer. Belloni added: "I'm really happy that Michele has demonstrated all his value at international level too. Some matches are special and his performance against Manchester City is one to remember. If I think back to when he played in Serie C, I get emotional. He earned everything with talent and hard work: I’m proud of him."
Liverpool.com says: Had it signed Di Gregorio, Liverpool would've got an excellent goalkeeper. The Italian has kept nine clean sheets in 15 games this term for Juventus, who is yet to lose in Serie A this season.
However, you can understand why Di Gregorio turned down the Reds. He wants to play now and while Alisson's injury has seen Kelleher handed game time this season, the Italian could not have known that in the summer, hence his decision to decide on joining Juventus.